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Unfortunately in Malta unlike what is the norm before other Parliaments little lobbying is ever carried out. The reason behind this is perhaps due to the fact that here more often than not the only Bills or motions ever discussed are precisely those presented by the Government side. Considering this state of affairs most pressure groups feel it useless to try and approach a particular Parliamentarian in order to try and push forward some piece of particular legislation. Worst still more often than not whenever the Government presents a Bill before Parliament it is extremely difficult for Parliamentarians to succeed in their endeavors to circumvent the same. Lobbying therefore in Malta is nearly always done at Ministerial level and behind the scenes. We Parliamentarians however have time and time again expressed our view that all this should start to change.
Lately we Parliamentarians have been approached by the Royal Malta Yacht Club which has called for our assistance to try and rescue its premises at Couvre Porte, Manoel Island. Being Labour Party spokesman on Maritime Affairs amongst other things the plight of the Royal Malta Yacht Club has caught my attention and with all my limitations I will endeavour to push forward its case before Parliament.
The club in question is arguing that yacht clubs the world over are symbols of prestige and class. Undoubtedly our own Yacht Club has a fine history and tradition and is second to none in attracting the finest yachts and Yachtsmen in the world. I have been informed and I have no reason to doubt, that the location of the Yacht Club was one of the important factors which for example convinced Rolex to sponsor the Middle Sea Race which is sure to say one of the most prestigious events for Malta. Sadly however, the Yacht Club may be obliged to vacate its premises in a short while and this could well be very damaging to our yachting industry.
Statistics have persistently been showing that unlike the general trend, our tourism industry has been faltering and the red lights are flashing. Time and time again it has been emphasised how important the yachting industry can be for Tourism. In fact yachting undoubtedly attracts to Malta precisely the type of visitors we need. More often than not these are of the highest calibre and being owners of expensive boats, are affluent. Malta, as a point of fact, is a natural centre for yachting and the industry has steadily developed over the years in a homogenous fashion without much interference from the Government. The least the Government can do is to give this thriving niche market a helping hand and not, on the contrary, obstruct its full potential.
The Government has been far too slow to create sufficient marinas to cater for the growing demand for berths thereby giving our direct competitors the edge. Unlike the past when the only available yachting facilities south of Europe in the Mediterranean was Malta, today other countries have geared themselves up in order to take a slice of the market. We have seen how, for example, over the last few years Tunisia has invested heavily in this sector, today boasting some of the best marinas and ancillary facilities money can buy. Worst still and this can be far more damaging for us, Libya has embarked on a similar path and this country could prove to be a very tough competitor indeed due to its extensive seashore and crystal clear waters.
Sadly, as usual, we are once more lacking behind, when for years we might have been considered the forerunners in the yachting industry in this corner of the world. Undoubtedly having a prestigious and old yachting club with glorious premises situated in one of our prime sites helps in no small way to promote the industry. I therefore assure the committee and members of our club that their petition to me and to other Parliamentarians has not fallen on deaf ears and that I, for one, will definitely take up their case.
José Herrera is Labour spokesperson for financial
services
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